The surprising reason you love chocolate and beer!

Hint... it contains cannabinoids

We, as mammals have an endocannabinoid system which is responsible for producing endogenous cannabinoids. Most people know that cannabis (both hemp and marijuana) contain cannabinoids. But, did you know that many foods that we consume also contain cannabinoids? These cannabinoids are also processed by our cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids are found in many items that we use every day. The cannabinoids that aren’t produced by the body are called phytocannabinoids. Your body naturally craves cannabinoids, which is why many of us quite enjoy a good beer or chocolate bar!

Cacao has been know to be a superfood for thousands of years. This is because it contains high levels of the cannabinoid called anandamide. You have likely felt the effects of anandamide naturally produced in the body. It’s that feeling of euphoria after completing physical exercise. Anandamide is known as the body’s own natural antidepressant and is known to some as the “runner’s high”.

As you may know, beer is made from hops. A lesser known fact is that hops is a distant cousin to cannabis; they both belong to the Urticales order of the Cannabinaceae family. Interesting, right? Hops and cannabis share very similar terpenes, which give them both a similar scent and benefit to the body.

Ever wonder why we are encouraged to include flax seeds in our diet? That’s because flax has many compounds that are very similar to cannabidiol (CBD) and actually contains CBD itself! Because of the discovery of CBD in flax, it has tremendous anti inflammatory properties and helps with autoimmune response.

Some other great sources of cannabinoids are black pepper, rosemary, cloves, basil, oregano, lavender and cinnamon. Remember the history of the pneumonic plague and the way doctor’s dressed? Physicians wore dark robes, wide brimmed hats and masks with long beaks. These beaks held these herbs and spices, which the person breathed while treating the fallen. The robe was covered with these spices as well. The cannabinoids allowed for a strong immune system and protected them from contracting the disease.

There are many other common foods that have cannabinoids and terpenes present. If there are certain foods that your body craves (no- not cheeseburgers, although cattle that grazes in hemp field areas have increased cannabinoids) they likely have the cannabinoids that your body needs. Your body innately knows what it needs and will tell you. So, go out and enjoy some chocolate and beer! But don’t over do it on the beer and chocolate… you can always get more cannabinoids through a hemp oil supplement!